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The article delves into the heated political landscape surrounding the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, facing intense criticism and scrutiny over the handling of the case, has mounted a fervent defense of her state's police force. Her strategy involves highlighting the presence of similar, yet unsolved crimes in other parts of the country, primarily focusing on Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. By emphasizing the lack of justice in these cases, Banerjee seeks to shift the blame and deflect criticism from her administration.
Banerjee's argument centers around the idea that Bengal is not alone in its struggle against violence against women. She draws attention to the horrific rape of a Dalit woman in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, and the barbaric killing of a college student in North 24 Parganas, Bengal, alongside the recent rape of a child in Jaipur, Rajasthan. By referencing these high-profile cases, Banerjee underscores the systemic issue of violence against women that transcends state boundaries and, in doing so, attempts to portray Bengal's situation as a reflection of broader national problems.
Further complicating the situation is the ongoing conflict between the Kolkata Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). After the Calcutta High Court overruled Banerjee's decision and handed over the RG Kar Hospital case to the CBI, tensions have escalated. Banerjee's call for the CBI to 'hang the criminal' reflects the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that has developed between the state government and the federal agency. The proposed Aparajita law, which seeks to expedite investigations and impose harsher penalties for rape, further underscores the political maneuvering surrounding this case. By advocating for stricter measures, Banerjee aims to portray her government as proactive and committed to justice, while simultaneously criticizing the central government's response to violence against women.
Source: Mamata Banerjee Cites Unnao, Hathras, In Statement On Kolkata Rape